Police assure voters of plan to protect democracy in high-risk areas - TimesLIVE
National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola says law-enforcement agencies have implemented the requisite planning to ensure a smooth vote for the local government elections.
The North West, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Free State have no voting stations classified as high-risk. These provinces have medium and low-risk voting stations.
“Sufficient security measures are in place to address the identified risks, with enhanced police visibility and operational interventions where they are required,” Masemola said.
“We are confident that the measures implemented will enable us to respond effectively to potential threats and incidents.”
A recently published report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime recorded 43 murders between January and September affecting councillors and members of political parties.
Masemola said police were concerned about the killings and attacks targeting political party supporters, party members and ward candidates.
“These acts of violence have no place in our democracy. No person should lose their life or be attacked simply because of their political affiliation or their decision to participate in the electoral process,” he said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and where criminality occurs, we will act decisively to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
He urged political parties to exercise tolerance and refrain from using violence to resolve political disputes, adding, “Differences must be resolved through lawful and peaceful means.”
The election security operation will be led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), metro police departments and the State Security Agency.
Specialised units — including the special task force, national intervention unit and tactical response teams — have been placed on standby to respond to serious incidents. Roving operational teams will also be available to reinforce provincial deployments where necessary.
Police will work with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to secure voting stations, ballot papers and other election materials, as well as the transportation of ballots.
Firearms and dangerous weapons will not be permitted within voting station boundaries. Officers will remain at voting stations for as long as necessary to maintain order and protect voters.
Masemola assured the public that police stations would remain open and continue providing their usual services throughout the election period.
He also addressed the SAPS court application concerning marches and public demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal, saying it was not intended to prevent people from exercising their constitutional right to protest.
The application seeks an interim order requiring organisers and participants to comply with laws governing public gatherings, Masemola said. He added the move followed escalating incidents of violence, intimidation and property destruction associated with marches in and around Durban.
He said two people had been attacked and killed, while 16 vehicles had been burnt or damaged in connection with the incidents.
The police are awaiting the court’s decision, which Masemola said they would respect.
As election day approaches, he called on political parties, candidates and communities to reject violence and co-operate with law enforcement.
“Our message is clear: we are here to ensure safety, prevent crime, enforce the law, build public trust and support every eligible voter’s constitutional right to participate in a free, fair, safe and peaceful electoral process.”
